atropiso

Atropiso is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. These creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 to 70 million years ago. Fossils attributed to Atropiso have been discovered in the Caucasus region of Russia. The genus was first described by the paleontologist Elena G. Pervushina in 2004.

The known remains of Atropiso are fragmentary, making a comprehensive understanding of its anatomy challenging. However, based on the available evidence, Atropiso is believed to have been a medium-sized plesiosaur. Plesiosaurs were characterized by their long necks, broad bodies, and four flippers used for locomotion in the water. They were carnivores, preying on fish and other marine life.

The discovery of Atropiso contributes to our knowledge of plesiosaur diversity in the ancient Tethys Sea, a large body of water that once covered parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The unique geological and faunal context of the Caucasus region provides insights into the distribution and evolution of marine reptiles during the Cretaceous. Further fossil discoveries may shed more light on the specific characteristics and evolutionary relationships of Atropiso.